Stakeholders push for inclusion of IDPs in elections

Nigerian stakeholders have urged for enhanced collaboration to guarantee Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) their constitutional right to vote ahead of the 2027 general election. This demand was made during a meeting organized by TAF Africa to discuss the implementation of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) framework for electoral participation of IDPs.

TAF Africa's CEO, Ambassador Jake Epelle, emphasized that displacement should not lead to the loss of a citizen's political voice. He pointed out that while IDPs have electoral rights on paper, the challenge lies in their ability to exercise these rights in practice. Mrs. Dorothy Bello, a representative of INEC, affirmed the commission's commitment to an inclusive electoral process, stating that the right to vote is a fundamental constitutional right that should not be restricted by displacement, conflict, or insecurity.

She noted that implementing the framework for voting by IDPs is a significant step towards preventing the exclusion of displaced Nigerians from democratic participation. INEC plans to collaborate with other stakeholders to improve voter registration, PVC collection, voter information dissemination, and ensure safe voting opportunities for eligible IDPs.

All stakeholders concurred that accurate information on displaced populations, consistent voter education, and effective coordination are vital for facilitating the participation of eligible IDPs in future elections. They also highlighted the necessity of practical measures to facilitate IDPs' registration, transfer of polling units, acquisition of PVCs, and secure voting.

As the 2027 general election nears, participants believe that adopting INEC's framework provides an opportunity to bolster Nigeria's democracy by ensuring that displaced citizens do not forfeit their political voice along with their homes.